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No. 21, Sess. I. —Petition of William Bennett, of Sydenham. Petitioner prays for consideration on account of a permanent injury received while in the service of the Railway Department. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should be paid the sum of £75 as a compassionate allowance. 23rd .July, 1891.

No. 118. —Petition of James Gough and Others, of New Plymouth. Petitioners pray for a Government grant for road-making purposes. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd July, 1891.

No. 133.—Petition of Harold Crowley and Another, of Syclenham. Petitioners, engine-cleaners in the Railway Department, at Christchurch, state that they reported their foreman for coal-stealing ; that an inquiry was held, and the foreman disrated ; that since that time they have been suspended from duty. They allege that this suspension is in consequence of having reported the foreman, and pray for an inquiry into the whole matter. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the mode of holding inquiries into such charges as were made against the foreman by the petitioners—viz., by officials of the department, is highly unsatisfactory, and recommends that such cases should be dealt with by a Board independent of the department, and that petitioners should have an opportunity of being heard before such Board if they so desire. 23rd July, 1891.

No. 167. —Petition of James Hamblyn, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays that assistance may be extended to him out of the Taranaki Volunteer Trust Fund. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd July, 1891.

No. 127. —Petition of Frank Bird, of Westport. Petitioner, late Warden and Resident Magistrate at Westport and Reef ton, prays that the whole question of his dismissal from the public service may be reconsidered. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered this case, in which petitioner was represented by counsel, fully endorse the report of the Commission of the 2nd July, 1890, and are of opinion that petitioner has no claim against the colony. 24th July, 1891.

No. 175. —Petition of Major Gascoyne. Petitioner prays for reinstatement in some suitable position in the public service of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee, having taken into consideration the exceptional case of Major Gascoyne, recommend his petition to the favourable consideration of the Government, and that suitable employment be found for him. 24th July, 1891.

No. 187. —Petition of Mary Steadman Aldis and Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that a Bill may be passed enabling the Senate of the University of New Zealand to confer degrees upon women possessing certain qualifications. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th July, 1891.

No. 219.—Petition of Pateick Casey, of Longburn, Wellington. Petitioneb prays that an inquiry may be held into the circumstances of his dismissal from the Police Force, and that he may be either reinstated or receive compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully considered the evidence given in petitioner's case, are of opinion that he was justly dismissed from the police service, and that he has no claim whatever against the colony. 24th July, 1891.

No. 18, Sess. I.—Petition of Henry -Cavell, late of Dillmanstown, Westland. Petitioner states that his daughter, aged four years and three months, fell into the bye-wash of a water-race, owing to the unsafe and defective nature of the hand-rail placed there to protect passengers crossing the race; that his daughter was very seriously injured, and that he has been put to considerable expense for doctors' fees and other charges. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that petitioner should be paid the sum of £30 in full of all demands, and on condition that, out of such sum Dr. Mcßrearty's account be paid. 29th July, 1891.